The Export Brief The Export Brief 2 | Page 49

Non-oil Exports: Building Linkages between Universities and Industry By Mercy Odibe & David Emumena The entire purpose of tertiary education is to equip individuals with skills to fit the job market and as such it is widely recognized that improving university education has a positive impact on gross domestic product. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) which publishes the Global Innovation Index report annually, the quality of university education is intrinsically tied to its innovation capabilities. It then goes without saying that enhancing university education in Nigeria is fundamental if Nigeria is to catch up with the rest of the world. This is important at a time when the ‗Africa rising‘ narrative is gaining momentum. Mercy Odibe (Head, Admin) and David Emumena (Head, Youth) both work at the Institute of Export Operations & Management.